President's Report 2018-2019
A Message from Father Peter
Dear Friends,
As an Augustinian, a professor and president of Villanova, many of my favorite moments have been those I have spent with students. They are at the heart of all we do.
This past year, I got to know two of our graduating students particularly well. They were applicants for the Fulbright U.S. Student Grant Program, one of the most prestigious post-baccalaureate programs in the world. I joined many fellow faculty and staff members as mentors for our Fulbright applicants, guiding and encouraging them as they polished their applications and navigated the complex process.
The students I mentored are now both Fulbright English Teaching Assistants, two of a remarkable and record-setting 33 Villanovans earning Fulbright U.S. Student Grants this year.
As I reflect on a year of so many exciting developments at Villanova, the story of this year’s Fulbright recipients stands out to me not only because of the historic significance for the University and the prestige of the program, but also because it says so much about what matters to us as a community. Our students are drawn to that program because its goals of global partnership and intercultural engagement reflect our Augustinian Catholic mission.
On the following pages, you’ll meet six faculty members who make a difference every day in the lives of our students, and whose work has also been enriched by the personal connections they’ve made with students. Some were mentors to Fulbright recipients this year, and others have been named Fulbright Scholars themselves. All are examples of our teacher-scholar model, which is a hallmark of a Villanova education.
The Fulbright Connection
"Villanova’s mission places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, serving the greater good and using our talents to ignite change in our communities and beyond. This commitment has translated into hundreds of Villanovans becoming Fulbright recipients over the years." —The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75, President
Faculty Fulbright Mentors
Samantha Chapman, PhD
Associate professor, Biology
A Biology professor helps grow a new generation of scientists
Maghan Keita, PhD
Professor of History and Global Interdisciplinary Studies
This globally minded professor travels with students on an intellectual journey that bridges many disciplines and cultures
Bridget Wadzuk, PhD, '00
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
An Engineering professor engages her students to take a hands-on approach to stormwater management
Faculty Fulbright Recipients
Tuan Samahon, JD
Professor of Law
This legal scholar’s Fulbright to teach in Croatia developed stronger bonds between our countries
Ruth McDermott-Levy ’96 MSN, ’08 PhD, RN
Associate professor and director, Center for Global and Public Health
How this nurse scientist advances environmental health internationally and with her students
Garrett Clayton, PhD
Associate professor of Mechanical Engineering
This Engineering professor discovered a passion for humanitarian robotics and deepened it through Fulbright
Mentoring at Villanova: Investing in the Journey
The Villanova experience is rooted in the collaborative pursuit of knowledge, in which professors and students are true partners in learning. This environment allows for the opportunity to engage in a wide range of academic endeavors, from groundbreaking research and thought leadership to experiential learning and interdisciplinary projects. With such collaboration among faculty and students, we are invested in each individual’s journey, in preparation for both successful careers—and rewarding lives. Read more about Villanova mentors Jeremy Kees and Susan Leighton.